> MA. -^r^ 1955 ^
X-7
LIFE AND LIG
FOR
WOMAN.
PUBLISHED BY THE
WOMAN^S BOAEDS OF MISSIONS.
1885, Vol. XV.
BOSTON :
Frank Wood, Pbiktee.
1885.
MBS. RUFUS ANDERSON.
" N. G. CLARK.
" E. K. ALDEN.
" JUDSON SMITH.
President.
MRS. ALBEBT BOWKEB.
Vice-Presidenis,
MRS. JOHN 0. MEANS.
" E. E. STEONf^.
" LEMUEL GULLIVER.
MRS. CHARLES STODDARD.
" GYLES MERRILL.
" E. H. LAY.
Honorary Vice-Presldentg.
MISS A. P. HALSEY.
MRS. BURDETT HART.
" A. W. WILDE.
" JEREMIAH TAYLOR.
" WM. H. FENN.
" HELEN C. KN'GHT.
" CLABA 8. PALMEB.
MRS. CHAS. A. JEWELL.
MISS E. 8. OILMAN.
MRS. J. E. BRADLEY.
" ORLANDO MASON.
" LEWIS MERRIAM.
" W. H. STODDARD.
" FREDERIC HOLMES.
MRS. R. B. BAKER.
MBS. JOSHUA COIT.
" E. J. 0IDDING8.
" E. N. HORTON.
" A. H. JOHNSON.
" L. P. WABNEH
MISS SUSAN N. BROWN.
I MRS. HARRISON TWEED.
Corresponding Secretaries
MBS. J. A. HASKELL. |
Recording Secretary.
MRS. S. BRAINABD PRATT.
Home Secretary.
MISS ABBIE B. CHILD, Boston.
Sec. Bureau of ExcHange.
MISS E. HARRIET STANWOOD, Boston.
MRS. J. FREDERIC HILL.
Treasurer.
MISS EMMA CARBUTH.
Assistant Treasurer.
MISS HAEBIET W. MAY.
Auditor.
J. A. FELT, Esq., BobIod.
ME3. J. A. COPP.
" HENRY F. DUBANT.
MISS ELLEN CABRUTH.
MRS. WILLIAM S. HOUGHTON.
MISS CARRIE BORDEN.
" HETTY S. B. WALLEY.
Directors.
. JOHN F. COLBY.
JOHN CUMMINGS.
A. C. THOMPSON.
S. H. HAYES.
JOS. STEDMAN,
L. E. CASWELL.
P. A. CHADBOUBNE.
MBS. GEO. W. COBUBN.
MISS M. C. BURGESS.
" L M. OBDWAY.
MBS. HENBY D. NOYES.
" FBANK WOOD.
" DANIEL LOTHBO*.
MRS. JOSEPH HAVEN.
" S. J. HUJIPHKEY.
" FRANCIS BRADLEY.
" HE-MAN ELY.
'• 2ACHARY EDDY.
" A. L. CHAPIN.
" L. KASSICK.
" LYMAN BAIRD.
" S. B. KELLOGG.
" E. P GOODWIN.
President.
MRS. MOSES SMITH, Detroit, Mich.
Vice-Presidents.
MBS. G. P. MAGOUN.
" F. A. NOBLE.
" N. A. HYDE.
" C. G. HAMMOND.
" 8. C. BABTLETT.
" H. E. BAKEB.
MISS M. J. EVANS.
" SAEAH POLLOCK.
MBS. J. W. PICKETT.
" E. S. CHESBEOUOH.
Secretaries.
MBS. MABY L. HULL.
J. F. DUDLEY.
" 8. W. EATON.
" H. M. 8CUDDEB.
" J. B. ANGELL.
" EALPH EMERSON.
" LUTHEB BRADLEY.
" M. J. P. HATCH.
" E. M. ELDER.
" A. T. HALE.
MRS. E. W. BLATCHFORD, 375 La Salle Av., Chicago. MBS. J. P. TEMPLE. 352 Michigan Av., Chicago.
MBS.G.B.WILLCOX,512Wa8h'tonBoulevard,Chicago. MISS M. D. WING ATE, 75 Madison St., Chicago.
Recording Secretary.
MI83 M. D. WINGATE, 75 Madison St., Chicago, HI.
Treasurer. I Auditor.
MB.S. J. B. LEAKE, 218 Cass St., Chicago, ni BEV. G. S. F. SAVAGE, Chicago, HI.
C. H. CASE.
A. E. NTTT.
L. H. BOUTELL.
BOBERT HILL.
L. C. PURINGTON.
H. M. HO BART.
J. H. PHILLIPS.
WM. H. BICE.
M. W. LYMAN.
Board of managers.
MBS. O. W. COLMAN.
" S. B. HAVEN.
" B. P.LEA VITT.
•« 9. 8. BOGEBa
MTSS H. M. BLISS
MRS. J. E. MILLEB,
" 8. I. OUBTISS.
" O. M. GILBEBT.
" J. H. HOLLISTEB.
State Secretaries.
MBS. J. H.
" J. H. CLARK.
" J.C.FRENCH.
" H. M. LYMAN.
" 0. 8. BARTLETT.
" B. P. NOUBSE.
" G M. CLABK.
" CHAS LATTIMEB.
" L. D. NORTON.
MRS. L. M. MEAD, Highland Lake, Colorado.
MISS E. E. ME'reALF, Hudson, Ohio.
MRS. J. C. HADDOCK. Michigan City, Ind.
MISS ANNE B. SEWELL. Stougliton, Wis.
MRS. C. C. SCALES, St. Lonis, Mo.
•' L. F. PARKER, Iowa City, Iowa.
" F. P. HOGBIN, Sabetha, Kansas.
Committee Editorial on Xiife and IL.iglit.
MRS. WILLCOX, MltS. MILLEB, MISS WINGATE, MISS POLLOCK, and .MBS. M. W. LYMAK.
MRS. JOSEPH WARD, Yankton, Dakota.
" HENRY PLANT, Minneapolis, Minn.
" GEO. R. GOLD, Flint. Mich.
MISS S. E. JUDD. FarKO, North Dakota.
MRS. W. A. MONTGOMERY. 111.
Nebraska.
DAY of glory, day of grace,
'When Jesus showed his lovely face,
To make the world a holy place
B}^ his sweet rising !
How shall we tell his precious worth ?
How shall we hail his wondrous birth -
This sorrowful and sinful earth —
With peace surprising ?
II.
^ Love, all love which overpast !
^ The Father, in his pity vast,
Out of his secret bosom cast
This Pearl most holy ;
And in the stable it was found.
Where camels stood, their loads unbound.
And meek-eyed cattle gathered round —
The manger lowly.
2
LIFE AND LIGHT.
III.
he midnight skj- is all ablaze
"SVith sudden light and golden rays
Of angels, watching Avith amaze
His opening story:
The blessed virgin mother there,
Bending above her infant fair.
And pondering on that marvel rare —
That undreamt glory !
IV.
nd lo ! the echo of a song,
Which deepens as it rolls along —
The chorus of a countless throng,
Like a low thunder.
The sacred hills of Palestine
Are flooded with a voice divine;
The shepherds listen to the sign
With a hushed wonder.
V.
G)>C^ell might that song of songs be heard !
^^"^ Well might the angel host be stirred
To hover o'er the Incarnate Word
With adoration !
Well might the air with bliss be fraught,
And splendor passing human thought ;
" Glad tidings of great joy " are brought
To everj^ nation!
YI.
welcome, then, this happy morn
On which the Sa^iour, Christ, was born !
With flowers his infant brow adorn —
Lilies and roses.
Glory to God " for his dear Son,
And "peace on earth," through suffering won;
Heaven's hallelujah is begun —
And never closes.
CHRISTMAS DAT.
a
VII.
JSJesus was born this Christmas tide —
™ Born that he might be crucified ;
The sad-glad tidings, waft them wide
Beyond the waters.
In him all nations may be blessed,
In him all weary ones find rest —
Poor wanderers in the farthest West,
And India's daughters.
^ur thanks this day to God we lift
^ For his unutterable Gift,
And bid the good news circle swift,
On eagle pinion,
Till earth permits *' a little child
To lead her " with attraction mild,
And every utmost region wild
Owns his dominion !
Richard Wilton, in " India's Women.**
VIII.
4
LIFE AND LIGHT.
"HAST THOU FAITH?"
BY MRS. W. B. CAPKON.
On the 26tli of June, when I went to Pasumalai, to attend to our
weekly prayer-meeting, I was anxious to see the Tirumangalam
Bible-woman. She had come to a friend's house to be taken car©
of, for her last days were come. I found her mind very clear, and
her voice stronger and more natural than I could have expected.
She was glad to see me.
I said to her: "I am very glad to see you once more, S .
You are nearly through with your life on earth ; and how does it
seem to you as you think over the past, and look into the future?"
She replied: " Jesus is a great Saviour. I believe He has for-
given all my sins."
I then asked, " What verse in the Bible comes oftener than any
other into your mind? "
" ' The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.' "
Pausing a moment, she added, "I rest upon it."
I then said a few words on praying to have every corner of the
heart opened to Him. To this she replied: "There is averse
which I heard from you once which has given me much comfort —
* Fear not : for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy
name; thou art mine.' It comes often to my thoughts." So I
took its shining parts and went over them, to her evident satisfac-
tion. After some words suited, I hoped, to comfort her, I said: —
S , would you like a little more Bible-woman's work to do?
I can give you some."
With a smile of incredulity and much enthusiasm, she answered :
"I should like it very much indeed. Tell me."
I replied that I was afraid that she was too weak to hear so
long a story, but that I would stop as soon as I should see that it
was more than she could bear. It was most interesting to see
this woman's mind take in all that I went on to say, and how it
seemed to exhilarate her. This was it : —
" Last Christmas-time I had several calls from a Brahman wo-
man, who was threatened with what I feared would be cancer. I
have not seen her since; but on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday my
thoughts were so continually reverted to this woman, that I deter-
mined to go on Monday evening, after my work in the houses was
done, and inquire about her. I had once much relieved her daugh-
ter, and the family have always remembered it. When I would
call on them I was accustomed to see this woman ; but, as a Brah-
man widow after the strictest sort, she would stand at a distance.
"What was my surprise, on Monday early, to see this daughter
"HAST THOU FAITH?''
5
driving up to the door« I at once told her how much her mother
had been in my thoughts and my intention. To this she replied:
'My mother came down from Trichinopoly on Saturday night.
She is a terrible sufferer from cancer, and wrote to us that she
wanted to come to Madura to die, and that she wanted you to come
and see her, as she knew you would. We wrote to her to come at
once ; and she would have sent me yesterday, but that it was your
special day.'
" I asked, ' Does she know that she cannot get well ? '
" Oh, yes ! She knows that ; but asks how soon you will come.^
' To-night,' I answered."
"And did you go ?" said the dying Bible-woman.
"Yes; I went. All day long on my mind lay the question, Is
that woman come to Madura to be saved ? Is it possible ?
"I found her in a hopeless condition as to recovery, and I was
surprised to have her say that she wanted to be where I could
•come to see her. I told her that if I was going to give her comfort,
it could only be in my way, and not in hers. She smiled brightly,
and replied, *It is your way that I want.' I went again on Wed-
nesday, and I am going again to-morrow. Now, S ," I said,
"here is your work. You must pray for her, and beg Jesus, the
Saviour, to give her the peace and light that so comfort you. Per-
Tiaps you may be in heaven soon, and she may be brought to you,
that you may see how gloriously the Lord saves."
"Yes," said the Bible-woman; "I am glad you told me. It will
be nice to think about her, and I will pray for her."
She had so much strength, and seemed so mentally bright, that
I could not think her end so near. The next morning she again
spoke to those about her of the precious verse, " The blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Then, sometimes
seeming to recall the melody, and sometimes repeating the whole
hymn, "I Have a Father in the Promised Land," she sank grad-
ually, and breathed her last at half-past two.
Mr. Tracy came from Tirumangalam to conduct the funeral
services. His visits had been a pleasure to her, and she had left a
sum of money to be used by him as some memorial offering in the
station. I did not know this until my return from my visit to my
sufferer.
How near to us is the eternal world. I was resting upon her
prayers while she was far away. Her great peace and comfort-
ing faith in her Saviour were such bright realities that I longed to
be, as it were, a heavenly messenger to carry them to my poor
Brahman woman.
This was a new experience to me, in a certain way. I have
#
6
LIFE AXD LIGHT.
great faith in the living power of God's Word; and when I know
that there have been opportunities for hearing or reading it, and
especially if some of its precious verses have been stored away in
the memory, my faith seems to lay hold of this ; but here was a
case where no such resting-place was to be found. And then to
think of all her accumulated superstitions, and austerities, and
ignorance ! Here she was, laying hold of me for comfort in dying,
and I had not faith to believe that the world's Redeemer was
intending to reveal himself as her Saviour !
It was a morning never to be forgotten. It was a severe test
forme, but I could, and did say, "Lord, if it be thou who dost
send me to that house, bid me first come to thee through this sea
of unbelief, for my faith is sinking, and all seems dark and impos-
sible."
There seemed to be no one in the house but the mother and
daughter. I was thinking as I looked at her body, unusually re-
pulsive even for such a disease, how faithful had been her wash-
ings and fastings. She suddenly looked up at me, and said : —
"For years and years I have bathed this body three times a.
day, and now look at it!"
"Yes," said the daughter; " and how faithfully she has fasted.
I have often wondered how she endured it."
Said the mother, "It does not seem to have done much good.'*
Oh ! how bitterly she smiled ; and then looking with her full,
dark eyes into mine, she asked, " Do you think that God is angry
with me, that he should smite me with this awful disease ? "
I replied, "You have been saying all your prayers, and you
have been committing all your fastings and ablutions to your
household swamy — I do not know the name. God, my glorious
heavenly Father, has had no part in it all."
With the same bitter smile she waved her hand, saying: "All
for nothing. It does not count anything. You need not think I
set any value on it."
"Do you mean to say," I asked, "that you have no merit to
rest on, after such a long, faithful devotion to all the rites of
your worship?"
"Dust, dust!" was the reply.
The daughter, a beautiful, sympathetic spirit, as I had long
known, with tears running down her cheeks, said, " We do all
these things, and have all these observances, because others do,
and we must go with them; but look at her now."
Heathenism and Brahmanism were laid low. That was evident.
It was, indeed, " Look at her now." The Lord must come, and he
must come now, for the time was short.
''HAST THOU FAITH?'
" Do you remember anything that I said when I was here
last?" I asked.
"You said that Jesus was a better name than Eamaor Siva.
Did you mean that I must keep saying 'Jesus, Jesus,' instead of
* Kama, Rama?'"
It must be said, in passing, that much merit is attached to
long repetitions of these names.
" Oh, no ! Jesus does not wish that. He looks beyond the lips,
into your heart, and looks all over, to see if he can find any love or
trust in him there."
Again those great eyes were lifted to mine. "He sees," she
said, " that all my past life has no merit in it, and that it was all
the time only dust." This seemed to reveal that she was making
Jesus real, or, rather, that the blessed Lord was making him-
self real to her, and this gave me great hope. So I replied: —
" Cannot you tell Him so? Cannot you trust yourself to him?
You cannot think how real all will become to you as soon as you
give yourself into his keeping, and his only."
Xow the pain and distress came over her like many billows.
"Oh!" she cried, "can you tell me how many days I must live?
Is God a merciful God?"
When she was soothed, and quiet again, I told her that she had
not many such days before her, and that I hoped that God would
spare her life until she knew that the Lord Jesus w^as the Saviour
of her never-dying soul. I set before her as clearly as I could his
great mission to our world, and the free, gracious pardon to all. I
taught her a short prayer, which her soul grasped as it had done
nothing that I had said. She repeated it over and over to me. It
was touching to see how her daughter would try to make clearer
everything that she thought her mother did not quite comprehend.
The great love wherewith He loved us seemed around us all ; and
promising to come in three days, I left.
For three weeks more, three times a week, I went to this house.
The next three visits were very trying. I was sure that a Brahman
priest was behind a screen, for, although all were polite and kind,
the constraint was apparent. Once the dear woman asked me to
come in the morning instead of the evening, as there would not be
so many people about. So I went in the morning, and was met at
the door by the daughter's husband, who said that as she was
taking her food it was not a convenient time. I was beginning to
feel doubtful as to the wisdom of going again, and asked that the
daughter might come to the door.
I told her that I did not wish to intrude, but that her mother
was much in my thoughts, and that I much wished to see her.
t
8
LIFE AND LIGHT.
She replied : " Your words are my mother's great comfort. She is
constantly talking to me about what you have said to her, and told
me to tell you not to stay away, for she watched for your coming."
Once more I found the mother alone, but the daughter was
absent. She was exhausted with suffering, and her mind was less
clear. She w6uld follow me intelligently, but said little. I told
her that I doubted if I saw her alive again, and asked her if she
had anything to j-r y about the Saviour of sinners. I longed for
one ray of light.
"You said that Jesus made all holy," was her reply.
" Has he made you holy ?" I asked.
I say it over and over. All the rest is dust."
"This was all that I was to receive. She had spent her whole
life in the one great effort for holiness, and at the last found it all
a vain thing. In his infinite compassion the Lord Jesus had
shown her this, and I could only hope that he had also the blessed
purpose to clothe her with his own righteousness. All the anxiety
and fear lest I had not done my part are known to him. I tell you
all this, dear heart, that you may understand the better what to
pray for as you ought when you pray for Madura City. With all
that is interesting and inspiring in our work, there remains the
fact that the Saviour sought is not the one who saves from the
guilt and power of sin, but the one who brings life, light, and im-
mortality.
I went to my poor sufferer one Thursday morning. The
daughter's husband came to the carriage. Said he: —
" She sat up on Tuesday, and as she lay down she said, ' I shall
never sit up again.' She did not speak after this, though her mind
was bright. She breathed her last on Wednesday noon. You have
been very kind to come, and she cared more for your visits than
for anything else."
There is nothing more to be told ; but you, in whose eyes have
been tears, will know how much remained to be thought.
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE EASTERN TURKEY MISSION.
To THE Woman's Board of Missions: The Eastern Turkey
Mission, assembled by representatives in annual meeting at
Mardin, sends greeting.
Under an Oriental sky, trains of deliberate camels passing
with effortless speed by our windows on the north, while the
monotonous, week-long, day-and-night drumming and fifing of an
Oriental wedding assail the ear from the south, we remember you
WOMAN'S WORK.
9
in the land of the telephone and the steam-whistle, encouraging
ourselves in the thought of your sympathy, and glad that we are
not alone in our work.
A condensation of the reports of woman's work in the several
fields presented to the annual meeting gives the following items:
The girls' school in Mardin has been discontinued this year,
owing to Miss Sears's absence in America and ]Miss Pratt's em-
bracing a long-desired opportunity to labor in Mosul, Ten of the
pupils have been teaching school this winter. Ill for five weeks
after reaching Mosul, Miss Pratt began in November her work of
calling from house to house for prayer and religious conversation.
She visited principally at Protestant houses, though going some-
times, by invitation, to those of Jacobites and Papists, who always
wished her to read the Bible and pray, and urged her to come
often.
One woman, daughter of a Protestant, but the wife of a very
wicked man, said to her, "Now I will talk to you just as if you
were the father-confessor. I will show you why it is impossible
for me to be a Christian." Among the reasons given were the
opposition of her husband and the prejudices of the people.
These in Mosul are so strong, that even a Protestant's wife and
daughter refrained from attending a second service one feast-day
because "it was a shame to be seen in the street so often on such
a day." This poor woman listened eagerly, and with a look of
surprise as the teacher told her how we may feel that Jesus is
with us all the time, helping us in everything we do ; but Miss
Pratt never saw her again, and knows nothing more about her,
except that she is one of the very few women of Mosul who are
able to read, and have a copy of the Scriptures, " which are able to
make us wise unto salvation."
At Van, Misses Johnson and Kimball have been able to take
entire charge of classes in the girls' school, Mrs. Reynolds having
the care of the domestic department. The school numbers about
thirty, of whom one-third are boarders. Two pupils united with
the church last year, and two are soon to be examined for church-
membership.
At Bitlis there are about thirty-five pupils (all boarders) in
the Misses Ely's school. Of these it is believed that nearly all are
Christians. It is pleasant to hear of their interest in the weekly
*' experience meetings," and their zeal in earning money for their
society established in aid of girls too poor to provide themselves
suitable clothing. Sometimes they earn money by picking over
biilf/oor, a kind of cracked wheat, which forms one of the uni-
versal articles of diet here. They agreed together to ask that the
10
LIFE AND LIGHT.
money which went to furnish nuts and raisins for their dessert
one day in the week, might be given to their society. The Misses
Ely discouraged this plan, and supposed it had been abandoned,
till one day when two large bags of nuts and raisins were brought
them as contributions to the home missionary society.
Besides this boarding-school, there are three day-schools for
girls in Bitlis, which are almost entirely self-supporting, only three
hundred piasters (about fourteen dollars) aid being asked for the
three schools.
The work for women in the Erzroom field this year has been"
encouraging. The girls' school of twenty-five pupils (four of
them boarders), under the efficient supervision of Miss Powers,
its primary department of fifty pupils, and the four girls' schools
in other parts of the field, all report progress. Two of the girl-
teachers from the Erzroom boarding-school hold weekly meetings
with the women, and to some extent are doing the work of Bible-
readers. One has charge of a Sunday-school.
Miss Yan Duzee accompanied Mr. Wm. Chambers, last fall, on
a tour to Klianoos, stopping on their return to see the work on
the Passim plain, and would gladly have joined him on the Rus-
sian tour had there been money enough to defray the additional
expense.
In the city of Erzroom over eighty calls have been made during
the fall and winter, almost always with reading and explanation of
Scripture and prayer.
The female department of the college at Harpoot numbers
eighteen pupils, the preparatory department sixty-two, the
primary ten, giving a total of ninety. The preparatory course of
study extends through four years, the same amount of time being
required for the college course. All those in the college course
are church-members; six only from the preparatory department,
though it is hoped that a number of those who are not church-
members should be regarded as Christians. Sixteen pupils are
now in the field teaching, besides many pastors' wives, who are
extending the influence of the school in their several homes.
The school has this year entered the new and commodious
building erected under Mr. Wheeler's supervision. A class of
three was graduated this summer. Miss Wright having resigned
her connection with the school at the Easter vacation. Miss Sey-
mour assumed its temporary charge.
The touring work of Misses Seymour and Bush was reported
by the following paper from Miss Seymour's pen: —
WOMAN'S WOEK.
11
WOKK FOK WOMEN.
The importance of work for the women of our field has con-
stantly grown this winter in the minds of the workers. Their
many burdens, their needs, their influence on the future of the
land we are all trying to lift out of its degradation and sin, de-
mand all our energies, and enlist our warmest sympathy and
most earnest prayers.
When we see how many times promises to read the Bible daily,
and to pray, or to begin a new life, are remembered and kept long
after loe have forgotten them, how quickly and in what numbers
the women flock to hear our words, apparently hungry for sympa-
thy and encouragement, we can only wish that the hands to work
might be multiplied, and the hearts to feel might receive a new
baptism of the Holy Spirit.
One stormy day this winter an old man, scantily clad, but with
the air of one assured of a welcome, came to the konak [mission-
ary quarters] in Harpoot, and said he had come from his village
just to get a primer for his son's wife.
We had long felt," he said, "that she ought to learn to read,
but when you came and talked to us about it we decided we would
not wait any longer."
It was the village sexton, whose chief fitness for the office, we
all know, is his extreme poverty.
The women in the village are so busy with their field-work, and
our city sisters in their preparation of supplies for winter, that
they are not very accessible in the early autumn; still, touring was
commenced about September 10th, and, with the exception of occa-
sional visits to Harpoot, was continued till the time of the annual
meeting (May 19th). Last year nearly every place in our field where
there are Protestants was visited. This year the villages in the
Arabkir region were left out.
Our plan of working has been to visit the schools for both
sexes, to go to the homes of all the Protestant families, and, so
far as possible, converse with each woman about her spiritual con-
dition and the performance of her home duties. Not only do we
visit Protestant homes, but we go wherever we think the women
will receive us; and we seldom meet with a rebuff. When we
make a short stay in a village we try, if practicable, to hold daily
meetings with the women. We are always sure that the evenings
will bring quite a number of the brethren, accompanied by their
wives, and try to have the time pass profitably in reading stories or
tracts in Armenian, or in translating extracts from our well-filled
religious newspapers. Intemperance has become such a trying
12
LIFE AND LIGHT.
evil in our field, that the subject is frequently brought into our
evening conversations.
In one place that we visited even one of the stronger sex said
to the wife of the pastor, ''I have tried all the week that these
ladies have been here to get an 'opportunity to talk with them
about my religious state, but I have never come without finding
them occupied with others."
In some of our larger cities greater numbers than ever before
have gathered at our noon-day meetings. In the last tour made,
two hundred and fifty women were present at the Sabbath meeting
in Choonkoosh, one hundred and fifty atDiarbekir; and Hulakegh
always rejoices our hearts with its large gatherings of women,
nearly e/ery one a reader, and well instructed in the Bible. We
would like Lc record a similar interest where the pastor's or
preacher's wife tries to sustain the weekly meetings; but in some
places too little interest is felt in these gatherings.
One little instance gave us encouragement. In a small village,
where the wife of the helper was not with him, the wife of the
chief Protestant, self-moved, began last fall to hold meetings with
the few sisters. This spring, in passing through her village, we
stopped at her house to tell her how glad she had made us in our
former visit, by her efforts for the women, and asked if she still
continued her meetings.
"Yes, teacher; the sisters have come to my house every Sab-
bath this winter but once, when I went to my mother's home in
another village." Six years ago this woman was not a Protestant,
and could not read ; but becoming the wife of a Protestant brother,
and being very bright, she soon learned to read her Bible, and now
uses her influence for Christ.
We should like to tell you of the work of the women in their
societies, the avails of which have bought vessels for the com-
munion service, carpets for the chapels (the more desirable, since
all sit upon the floor), or otherwise aided in improving the appear-
ance of the house of God ; have purchased maps for the school-
room, and aided in paying the salaries of the female teachers.
These teachers, being old pupils of ours, are always ready to
listen to our suggestions for any improvement in discipline or
teaching. We should like to have an efficient corps of Bible-
readers to constantly stimulate and help the weak and easily-dis-
couraged readers of the Bible, and to give lessons to those who
have never learned.
Often the wife of the pastor or preacher is so burdened with
family cares as to make it impossible for her to undertake such
service, and it is difficult to find one fitted for it. Owing to the
LETTER FROM MISS HOLBROOK.
13
difficulty of finding suitable workers, and because of our insisting
that a portion of their salary shall be paid by those for whom they
labor, the number of such workers in our field is limited.
While work for women has been going on in the out-stations,
Harpoot City has not been forgotten. Mrs. Barrows and Mrs.
Browne have held meetings in a lower quarter of the city. These
meetings are held at the house of a Protestant sister, but the
comers are always women from the old church, who are attracted
by the spirit of love that seeks to help them. The attendance is
from eight to fourteen. We have reason to thank God and take
courage as we remember the guidance and help vouchsafed to us
the past year. The Lord always prepared our way before us, and
often blessed our efforts far beyond our expectations. Though
only women," we have invariably been treated with deference
by both men and women. We never left a place without a feeling
of sorrow that we must leave so much work undone; and as we
gain more and more acquaintance with the field, with individuals,
and with the needs of the churches, our daily question is, " Who is
sufficient for these things?" while, even when mind and body are
most weary, and the soul most oppressed by care and anxiety,
comes the comforting answer from above, " My grace is sufficient
for thee."
Yours in Christian love,
Mary P. Weight.
LETTER FEOM MISS HOLBROOK.
EAR YOUXG LADIES, Shareholders ix the
TuNG-CHO DISPE^'S ARY : A few months ago
a request was sent to the ''central office,"
asking for funds for a new dispensary, and
that message was "telephoned," through
Life and Light, to all the ''Branch Offices,''
and the young ladies circles enthusiastically
made themselves responsible for $1,500.
Before the answer reached me, even, the land
was purchased, and all odd minutes were full of what was to be
14
LIFE AXD LIGHT.
done ''year after next." Certain scraps of paper laying around
bore marks suspiciously like house-plans. The whole affair did
seem to me a little like an air-castle, sometimes, when I stopped to
think about it; but the fever was on, and with me, as you who
know me personally can testify, it had to run its course!
The solution of that problem which I have been to work at all
my life,— how to get the most out of the least,— this time resulted
in a beautiful plan that just fitted into the building-lot, and not a
scrap of space left over.
This attack proved contagious, too, or infectious, — we won't
quarrel about the term, — for I was hardly convalescent when word
came that the money was all collected, and building might begin
as soon as practicable. And so you see my " year after next " was
changed into " day after to-morrow," and the castle turned out a
pretty substantial one, after all.
Before me lay a pile of twenty-one letters from friends, new
and old, expressing sympathy, encouragement, and support in
this work. One young lady writes: "To read this letter is part
of the price you pay for being a missionary." "What price did I
pay? Really it was so small, I've most forgotten. One thing I
know: it was a most paying investment — shares way above par,
and no watered stock. If reading and writing letters is a part of
the price I pay, a wide circle of very dear friends, I know, is a
part of the dividend I receive.
In the September number of The Century is an appeal by
Julia Dorr to the "young women whose school-days are but
lately over, and to the memory of every woman who has not for-
gotten her girlhood," not to "settle down into the inexpressible
weariness and depression that comes from a little crocheting, a
little embroidering, a little housework, a little music, a little
visiting, a little dressing, a little reading, a little of this, that, and
the other." She then sets forth a scheme for mutual improve-
ment, whereby we can " choose and hold fast the very best in our
individual reach."
But, girls, I think we have found a still better way — we whose
motto is not to choose and hold fast all in our reach even of the
best, but to give as much, as fast, and as far, as we can of that
which is best of all: first to Christ, and then, in his name, to all for
whom Christ died. Is not that an individual reach wide enough
to satisfy every earnest, ambitious heart? We who, either at
home or abroad, have thus given the work of hand, mind, or
heart, do not find ourselves " feeding on husks," neither does " life,
that seemed to our young imagination so noble, so grand, some-
thing to glory in and thank God for, dwindle down to a thing of
THE COMING YEAR.
15
mere shreds and patches," but rather does the very giving of life
and light to those who sit in darkness and death make our own
lives broader, deeper, and richer.
And now, dear girls, older and younger, to each and every one
who has opened her heart and hand to this good work, in the
name of all suffering women and children who, so long as this
dispensary stands, shall receive bodily and spiritual healing, in
the name of all these, accept my thanks.
Your co-laborer in one and the same work,
Mariana Holbrook.
THE COMING- YEAR.
AxoTHER year has closed. It seems but a moment since, as a
Board, we stood upon its threshold gazing anxiously into its dim
mysteries, wondering what its weeks and months would bring forth
of success or failure, joy or sorrow, encouragement or disappoint-
ment. At its close we have but one note to sound through all our
borders — a note of praise and thanksgiving, *'Tlie Lord hath
blessed his people!" ''Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his
praise in the congregation of saints."
We think we may say that in no other year in our history has
there been more satisfactory progress than in the one just closed.
There have been years when the number of new organizations has
been greater, when statistics of all kinds have made a more decided
advance; but never, we believe, has the progress in true and perma-
nent strength been greater than in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred and eighty-four To those who are watching this work
among the women in our churches in all the length and breadth of
our territory, it is a matter of much thanksgiving, not unmixed, we
must confess, with a certain wonder to see how the interest
deepens and widens ; how the enthusiasm not only continues un-
abated, but is constantly adding to its swift current, becoming with
some almost an absorbing passion; how the various meetings grow
in spirituality and power, making them in deed and in truth heav-
enly places; how the giving grows spontaneous and consecrated;
IG
LIFE AND LIGHT.
how tlie bond that draws the workers grows closer and dearer,
creating social enjoyments on a true foundation, and so giving un-
alloyed pleasure ; above all, to see that the foundation of it all is
one that never can be moved — a true love for our Lord, his work,
and his kingdom. What gives us the greatest strength, however,
is the abiding conviction that our God has set his seal upon our
work; that he is beginning the fulfillment of his ancient prophecy
that has received a new meaning in the Ee vised Version, "The
Lord gave the word: great was the company of women that
published it;" that he means to use the women and children in
bringing the world to himself.
We may be sure that these results have not been brought about
by accident, neither has there been any miracle. At the begin-
ning of the year we asked for four very simple things — more
prayer, deeper consecration, greater effort, larger gifts; and we
believe it has been through just these meany that progress has
been made. If the story of all these earnest prayers, new conse-
crations, special efforts, and individual thank-offerings could be
written out, we believe they would bring to light such heart-search-
ings, such spiritual uplifting, such sacrifice of time, and ease, and
precious treasures as would fill a volume of intensest interest. Now
in the retrospect, do we hear of regrets over these experiences? Does
any one say, I am sorry I made this sacrifice, that I, gave up that
pleasure, that I "abridged a ruffle or subtracted a tuck," that I
might make time to attend the missionary meeting ? Does any one
say. How foolish I was to be led away by my enthusiasm to make
such a large thank-offering ? I wish I had never made that special
consecration, that seemed to lead me to do things I never thought
I could do before? Ah no ! we never hear such words as these.
The tongue would falter and the lips refuse to utter such thoughts.
Does not every such recollection the rather send a glow through
our hearts and a feeling of satisfaction at every such treasure
laid away where it can never be lost nor defiled.
Now, dear friends, are you willing to make equal effort and
sacrifice the coming year? AYliat has been done can be done
again. What cost us much during the past twelve months may,
perhaps, be done with ease in the future, but we cannot doubt that
other efforts, other sacrifices, no less costly, may be needed for the
coming work. With King David we wish to ask, Who is willing to
consecrate her service this day unto the Lord afresh? Does the work
demand it? Never so much as now; never did our Lord so surely
beckon us onward ; never were the openings so many and so grand
as at the present moment. i
The greatest need just now is for men and women for the for-
THE COMING YEAR.
17
eigii field. There is positive and immediate call for eleven young
women for this work. Before this year is over there are those
who will be called upon to give their lives to this work; and there
are those who will be called to give that which is dearer than
life — a loved daughter, or sister, or friend. May the dear Lord
give the strength for this sacrifice to those from whom it shall be
required. But this is a call that will come to the few. To most
of us comes the infinitely smaller request of a full and hearty suj)-
port, unstinted sympathy, unceasing, earnest prayers. In dollars
and cents, should the eleven young ladies be found, it will cost
for outfits and traveling expenses at least ten thousand dollars.
The estimates sent us by the American Board for 1885 amount to
nine thousand dollars more than ever before. This includes
almost no new work; the increase is only the natural growth to
which we are pledged. This is a responsibility which we cannot
throw aside. We must also plan for requests to come for special
emergencies during the year, for new openings that must be
seized at the moment, or irreparably lost; so that we are compelled
to ask for $125,000 for the absolutely necessary work in the year
1885.
It is not needful for us to go into details as to how this work is
to be done. Each one who did her share last year knows how she
did it. As she looks over the year, she sees how slie might have
done more; how this and that opportunity slipped by without im-
provement; how a word here, or a suggestion there, might have
been just the stimulus needed to bring some half-hearted sister
into earnest work; how a little more self-denial might have
doubled her subscription; how a little more elYort might have
brightened up a meeting or strengthened the hands of some weary
one in the foreign field. Of any who have these thoughts we ask.
Will you continue your good works for 1885, and add to those the
might-liave-dones of 1884? If there are those who have done all
they possibly could, — and we believe there are such much-to-be-
envied persons, — we wish to beg of them, having done all, to stand.
Of those who are half-hearted and indifi;erent, if any such should
chance to read this paragraph, we wish to ask, Will you not, for
once, carefully consider whether it may not be your duty to take
some active part in woman's work for foreign missions? We do
not pretend to say it is your duty ; that is a question that can be
setjiled only between your conscience and your Lord. We do not be-
lieve that any Christian woman would thoughtfully say that " I'm
not interested," oracareless "Idon't believe init" would beasuf-
ficient reason to throw aside any duty. What should we think of a
mother who would give "I'm not interested in children," as a
18
LIFE AND LIGHT.
reason for neglect of lier little ones ? What would we say if a
soldier should say, "I don't believe in it," in excuse for disobey-
ing his leader's commands. We need not multiply illustrations.
We know very well that such excuses would not be received in the
ordinary affairs of life. No one would pretend to offer them. All
we ask is a sincere, prayerful consideration of the whole matter
the condition of women without the gospel what it can do and has
already done for them ; whether it is the desire of our Lord that
they should have it; in what way and by whom it should be sent to
them; whether it should be done by a few or by all; who is ex-
cused from it, and who is especially called to it; whether it should
be donejthis year or a hundred years hence ; and, finally, whether it
is really a matter that concerns yourself as a Christian woman in
this nineteenth century.
Now, may we say just a word to those who are faint-hearted —
for we believe those with faint hearts are quite as numerous as
the half-hearted or the indifferent. Down deep in their souls they
believe in foreign missions, and in woman's part in them, but they
are easily overcome by obstacles ; they shrink from anything that
looks like fanaticism" or publicity; they wish they could do
more, but they think they can't; they distrust their owai powers.
How often do we hear, If I had as much leisure as Miss C, or a
quantity of money like Mrs. F., I should feel that I could do some-
thing;" or, • ' If I could talk in a meeting as well as Mrs. H., or lead
in prayer like Miss B., or write a fine paper like Mrs. G., I would
be glad to do it, but I have no talent for such things;" and many
like excuses. Suppose these things to be so. Suppose one hasn't
the time, the money, the talent of some one else; is that a
reason she should not use what she has ? A few moments seized
from a busy day, or an hour planned for beforehand and obtained
with much effort, has twice as much zest in it as time taken from
a heavy, aimless day; a hundred pennies given with earnestness
and prayer, have much more value than a dollar given carelessly
and without thought; a bright piece of information culled from
a magazine or newspaper may sometimes have as much eff ect as
an elaborately written paper; two or three petitions from the
heart will reach the throne of grace just as quickly as the most
eloquent prayer. Let us remember that the few loaves and the
small fishes had to be brought to the Master before the multitude
could be fed, and that the little lad was just as imjjort^nt
in the great transaction as the apostles who gave bread to thou-
sands. Let us comfort ourselves that it is in what we have to give,
and in the one who multiplies it, that the power lies — not in our-
selves, nor in the way we give it. The greatest boon the human
MEETINGS.
19
race has ever known, the Christian religion, was in the beginning
intrusted to eleven humble men. They taught its principles to
the best of their ability, sending them forth to the world, and they
have told upon the fate of empires.
As we start on another year in the life of our Board, remember-
ing the power that lies behind us, let us take heart and press on
as never before; let the success of the past year give us courage;
let the dire necessities of fifty million of women and children
urge us on; let the cries for help from our missionaries inspire us
to new 2:eal; let us one and all "brace ourselves against our God
and lift" with all our hearts and all our strength.
NOVEMBER MEETING.
The quarterly meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions was
held in the Chapel of Park Street Church, on Tuesday. November 4th
at 3 p. M. After devotional exercises, conducted by the President,
the report of the Home Secretary was presented, showing an en-
couraging growth in the work both at home and abroad. The
statement of the Treasurer showed the receipts since January 1st
to be from all sources $86,682.64,
A paper entitled "After Many Days," showing how the pa-
tient labors of years, so often seeming to be without results,
almost always reap their reward. The subject was illustrated by
an account of Mrs. Capron's work in Madura and vicinity, wliere
the first years brought comparatively few results, but where there
are now over a thousand women under regular instruction from
the workers under her care.
The closing address of the meeting was given by Miss F. M.
Washburn, of Marsovan, who gave an interesting account of work
in Marsovan among the women in the boarding-school, comparing
these labors with those in other parts of Turkey, bringing out the
obstacles and encouragements of the one work in the Turkish
Empire.
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions will be
held in Mt. Vernon Church, Boston, on Wednesday and Thursday,
January 14 and 15, 1885.
20
LIFE AND LIGHT.
TO OUR READERS.
We wish to remind our readers tiiat this number begins a new
year in our magazine, and that it is very desirable that subscrip-
tions be paid in advance. We depend largely upon those received
in December for the following year to supply the deficiencies of
the summer months. At the time of writing, December 13th, these
receipts have been very small in comparison with foiTner years.
Please send all possible subscriptions for 1885 before the first of
January, and save the magazine from debt.
WOMAN'S BOARD OP MISSIONS.
Receipts from October
MAINE,
Maine Branch. — Mrs. Wood-
bury S. Dana, Treas. Calais,
Aux., of wh. $25 const. L. M.
Jessie Wilson Grant, $35.72;
Richmond, Aux., $4.87; Otis-
field, Cong. Ch., .«;6; Bethel,
1st Ch., Aux., SIO; Rockland,
Aux., $50; Portland, Y. L.
M. B., $10, $116 59
Richmond.— A. Friend, 2 50
Total, $119 09
VERMONT.
Vermont Branch.— Mrs. T. M.
Howard, Treas. Morrisville,
Aux., $10; No. Craftsbury,
Aux., $20; Dummerston, $1;
Bennington, Aux., $27.25;
E. Pouitney, Aux., $11.42;
Enosburg, Aux., ^12, Young
People's M. C, $40; Swan ton,
$1; Dorset, Willing Work-
ers, $15; Montpelier, Beth.
Ch., Aux., $22.50; Westmins-
ter, West, $25; Waterbury,
Aux., $14.75; Underhill,Aux.,
$19; Rutland, Ann. Meeting,
for Morning Star, of wh. $75
const. L. M's A Friend, Miss
Farrar Peacham, Mrs. Lay-
yah Barakat, Syria, $16G.70, $385 62
Waitsfi6ld.—L.yA\di A. Bigelow, 5 00
Total,
MASSACHUSETTS.
$390 62
Ashhy. —Cou^. Ch., $1 00
Barnstable Co. Branch. —
Mrs. Bernard Paine, Treas.
Yarmouth, Aux., $5.75; Well-
fleet, Aux., $4, 9 75
Berkshire Branch. — Mrs. S.N.
Russell, Treas. Williams-
town, Senior Aux., $213,
8 00
131 00
18 TO November 18, 1884.
Gleaners, $10; Housatonic,
Aux,, $79; Adams, Aux., $6;
Pittsfleld, 1st Ch., $2,85, So.
Ch., $22.68; Hinsdale, Aux,,
$56 88, $390 41
Dunstable.— AxxiL., 3 00
E. Braintree.— Mrs. E. F. Stet-
son,
Essex NoHh Conf. Branch.—
Mrs. A. Hammond, Treas.
Ipswich, 1st Ch., Aux., $30;
Newburvport, No. Ch,, M, C,
$86; Campbell, M. B., $10;
A Friend, $5
Essex South Conf. Branch.—
"vliss Sarali W. Clark, Treas.
Danvers, Maple St. Ch., $27;
Lvnn, Chestnut St. Ch., $15,
1st Ch,, Aux., $51, Young La-
dies' Aux., $25, No. Ch., Aux.,
$12; Salem, So, Ch., $374;
Middleton, Aux., $2;Beverly,
Washington St, Ch., Aux,,
$60, Unity Band, $20; Centre-
ville, M. C., $30; Swampscott,
Aux., $44; Ipswich, So. Ch.,
Ladies, of wh. $25 const. L.
M, .Aliriam Orswell Waters.
$31; So. Peabody, Do What
We Can, $13,
Hampshire Co. Branch. — Miss
Isabella G. Clarke, Treas.
Williamsburg, M. C, $30;
Southami)ton, Bearers of
Light, const. L. M. Mi.ss Lili-
an E. Bovd, $28.87; So. Had-
ley, Faithful Workers, $8,
Harvard. --Coug. Ch.,
HIa)isfield.— Cong. Ch.,
Middlesex Branch.— Mrs. E. H.
Warren, Treas. Wellesley,
Aux., $212.45, Penny Gather-
ers, $3, Young People's ]\I.C.,
$22.55; So. Natick, Ann Eliot
Soc'y, $10; Natick, Aux., $22,
Y. L. M. C, const. L. M. Mrs.
Anna Messenger, $25; Hop-
kinton, Aux., $79..^0; Marl-
704 00
66 87
8 75
7 19
RECEIPTS.
21
boro, Aux., of wh. $50 const.
L. M's Mrs. S. E. Warren,
Mrs.L.G. Stevens, $77.78 ;Hol-
liston, Aux., $8; Saxonville,
Aux., $10; Maynard, Aux.,
Jt;34.35; So. Framingham,
Willing Workers, $33; Lin-
coln, S. S., Cong, Ch.. $25;
Southboro, Aux., $10; North-
boro, Aux., $10; Dover, Aux.,
$4, Ann. Meeting, Thank-Off.,
for Morning Star, $150, $736 63
Old Colony Branch. — Miss
F. J. Runnels, Treas.
New Bedford, Union Work-
ers, $40; Taunton, Aux.,
$147.52, Broadway Ch., M. B.,
$46; Lakeville Precinct,
Aux., $100; Attleboro, 2d
Cong. Ch., Aux., const. L.M.
Mrs. Walter Barton, $100;
Attleboro Falls, Aux., $31;
Rochester, Aux., $35, Loving
Helpers, $5 Dighton, Ladies'
M. C, $60; Middleboro, Aux.,
$20.17, Henrietta Band, $5.83;
Somerset, M. C. $36; Reho-
both.Aux., $20, Mizpah Circle
$40, 686 62
South Hadley Falls, Cong. Ch.
and Soc'y, 30 00
Springfield Branch— Miss H.
T. Buckingham, Treas
Wilbraham, Willing Work-
ers, $40; Chicopee, 3d Ch.,
Aux., $15, Busy Bees, $18,
Earnest Workers, $16; W.
S))nngfield, 1st Ch., Aux.,
$83.50; Westfield, 1st Ch.,
Aux., of wh. $'25, by Mrs. L.
M. Hawley, const. L. M. Miss
Annie E. Lockwood, $260, T.
T. T. Club, $100, Light-bear-
ers, $40, 2d Ch., Aux., $130.31,
Scatter Goods, $79.50, Mitte-
neaque Gleaners, $20; Palm-
er, 1st Ch., Thorndike,
$16.50, 2d Ch., Aux., $50;
Chicopee Falls, Aux., $13.60;
Blandford, Aux.. .^30; Lud-
low Centre, Aux.. $2; Mon-
son, Aux., $86; Holyoke, 2d
Ch., Aux., $96; Agawam,
Aux., $42, Fresh Laurels,
$18.77; E. Longnieadow,Aux ,
$4.5, Young Dis«!iples, $6;
Springfield, 1st Ch., Cheerful
Workers, $82, Circle No. 2,
$4.67, Sandford St.Ch., Aux.,
$7, So. Ch., Aux., $7.75, Y. L.
M. C, $r)54. No. Ch.,Aux.,
$91, Olivet Ch., Aux., $81.12,
Hope Ch., Aux.. $41, Memo-
rial Ch., Aux., $148.10, S. S.,
$40, Young Ladies' Guild,
$40. Willing Helpers, $30;
Indian Orchard, Aux,, $19, 1,805 36
Sitffolk Branch.— Miss Myra B
Child, Treas. Boston, Berke-
ley St, Ch., Ladies, $180, S.
S., $38, Mt. Vernon Ch., Aux.,
const. L. M. Mrs. Laura P.
Chapin, Acworth, N. H., $25,
Central Ch., Aux., $27.83,
Union Ch., $203.76; So. Bos-
ton, Phillips Ch,, S.S., $59.30;
Roxbury, Immanuel Ch.,
Aux., $15.67, Eliot Ch., M.
C's Eliot Star, $2.59, May-
flowers, $2.59; Ferguson, 50
cts. ; Anderson, $5; Cam-
bridge, A Friend, $2; Brook-
line, Harvard Ch,, Aux., $18;
Brighton, Faneuil Rush-
lights, $2; Waverly, M, C,
$75.50 ; Newton, Aux,, $182.60 ;
Dedham, Asylum Dime Soc'y,
$2.20; W. Medway,Aux,,$12, $854 64
Ware, E. Cong, Ch., Miss L.
A. Tucker's S. S. CI., 10 00
Wobwrn Conf. Branch.— Mrs.
N, W. C. Holt, Treas, Win-
chester, Aux., $55, Seek-and-
Save Circle, of whi. $25 const.
L. M. Miss Fannie M. Mor-
ris, $30; Lexington, Aux.,
$14; Hancock, S. S., of wh.
$25 const. L. 31. Miss Minnie
C. Thayer, $37.60; Billerica,
S. S., $6.25; Reading, M. B.,
of wh. $100 const. L. M, Mrs.
Frank W B. Pratt. $185; Car-
lisle, Cong. Ch., Ladies, $6.25. 334 00
Worcester Co. Branch.— Mrs. G.
W, Russell, Treas, Whitins-
ville, Aux,, $105; Westboro,
Aux,, prev. contri, const. L.
M. Miss Susan M. Hardy,
$35; Lancaster, Aux.. of wh.
$25 const. L. M. Mrs. D. A.
Newton, $35; Grafton, Aux.,
prev. contri. const. L. M's
Mrs. B. A. Robie, Mrs. Jesse
Smith, Miss I. H. Dennis,
$60; Oxford, M. C, $15;
Barre, Th a n k - O f f., $1 ;
Worcester, Woman's Miss'y
Asso., Piedmont Ch., $159,
Central Ch., piev. contri.
const. L. M. Miss Mary R.
Greene, $50.13, Plymouth Ch.,
$85.50, Old South Ch., A
Friend, $2; Leicester, Aux.,
const. L. M. Mrs. Carrie W.
Denny, $100; Strawberry Hill,
Glean'ers, $15; Winehe'ndon,
North, Cong. Ch., $60; Gil-
bertville, Aux,, $84; Warren,
Aux., $43; Spencer, Aux., $25,
Hillside Workers, $10; Pax-
ton, $14; Millbury, 1st Ch.,
$62; Leominster, Aux,, prev,
contri. const. L, M, Mrs. P.
W. Newell, $15, 981 63
Total, $6,708 65
LEGACY.
Legacy of Mary Hartshorn,
Reading, $500 00
22
LIFE AND LIGHT.
RHODE ISLAND.
Rhode Island Branch. — Miss
Anna T. White, Treas. Bar-
rington, Aux., $50, Petta-
sett M. C , S13,75; Little
Compton, $1; E. Providence,
$2.25; No. Scituate, 75 cts.;
Central Falls, 25 cts, ; Tiver-
ton, Aux., $11 .50 ; Providence,
Beneficent F. M. C, $10,
Our Boys, $10, Cheerful Work-
ers, $10, Friends, $6.50, $116 00
Total,
CONNECTICUT.
$116 00
Brooklyn.— From the late Mrs.
Marv J. Crosby, $25 00
Hartford Branch.— Miss Anna
Morris, Treas. Hartford,
Wethersfield Ave. Ch., Aux.,
$35, Miss J. R. Clarke, $1.40;
Simsbury, Pearl Gatherers,
$13; Rocky Hill, Fragment
Gatherers, $29.50; Plainville,
Aux., $73; So. Windsor, Aux.,
$20; Poquonnock, Mrs. E. H.
Marcy, $12, 183 90
Neiv Haven Branch.— Miss Ju-
lia Twining, Treas. Bridge-
port, South Ch., M. C, $43;
Higganum, Shining Stars,
$20 ; Fairhaven, Second Ch., to
const. L. M. Mrs. H. E. Hovey,
$25; Middlesex Co. Meeting
Tithe-OfEerings, $98..50; Mid-
dletown, First Ch., S31 ; Mil-
ford, Mrs. Clark's S. S. CI ,
$20; Norfolk, of wh. $8fr.Y.L.
M. C, $110 fr. Mountain
Wide-Awakes and Hillside
Gleaners, $118; New Haven,
Davenport Ch., S. S., $60;
Wilton, a little girl, for
Morning Star, 50 cts,, Morn-
ing Star, 50 cts; Fairfield Co.
Meeting Thank-Off erings: —
Bethel, $5.50; Darien, $6;
Greenwich, $5; North Stam-
ford, $1; Norwalk, $29.30;
Sound Beach, $6; Stanwich,
M. C, $1.25; Stratford, $10;
Stratford, M. C, $8.0.5; Un-
known, $11.50, for a good
wife, $10, from prayer-meet-
ing, $4.25, Unknown, $3.27;
Easton, $1, 518 62
Total,
NEW YORK.
$727 52
New York State Branch.—
Mrs. G. H. Norton, Treas.
Rochester, Miss'v Friends,
$13.50; Millville,' $14; New
Haven, $20; Napoli, $10;
Westmoreland, $17; Greene,
$19.50; Brooklyn, Puritan Ch.,
$25; Newark Valley, $15;
Fairport, $20 ; Buffalo, W. G.
Bancroft M. B., $20, Ann.
Meeting Thank-Off, Morning
Star, $400, $574 00
Neivtonville.—D esert Palm
Soc'y, 5 00
Total, $579 00
NEW JERSEY.
Boselle.— Mrs. B. Tenney, $4 40
Total, $4 40
PHILADELPHIA BRANCH.
Mrs. Samuel Wilde, Treas.
New Jersey, Plainfield, Aux.,
$10, Westfield, Aux., $20.30;
Orange Valley, Aux., $32,
Children's M. B., $1.78;
Orange, Grove St. Aux., $43;
Proctor, M. C, $80, Trinity
Cong. Ch., Aux., $47.70, M.
C, $20, Jersey City, Aux.,
$25.35; Bound Brook, Aux.,
$25, Beavers, $30; Wood-
bridge, Aux., $26.50; Pater-
son, Aux., $12; Vineland,
Aux., $35.50; Montclair,-
Aux., of wh. $100 const. L. M.
Mrs. J. H. Cooper, $25 by
Mrs. Samuel Wilde, const.
L. M. Mrs. M. F. Reading,
$132.55, Y. L. M. Soc'v, $190,
Benefit Jugs, .$2.76; Newark;
1st Cong. Ch., Aux., $44.87,
Workers for Jesus, $78.80;
Maryland, Baltimore, Aux.,
$45.80; D. C, Washington,
Y. L. M. C, $45; Virginia,
Falls Ch., Aux., $9; Herndon,
Aux., $13, $970 91
Total,
$970 91
FLORIDA.
Day tona.— Aux., $io 00
Total, $10 00
CANADA.
Woman's Board, $166 00
Total, $166 00
Friends, $15 00
General Funds, $9,867 19
AVeekly Pledge, 4 26
Leaflets, 26 60
Legacy, 500 00
Total, $10,398 05
Miss Emma Carruth, Treasurer.
Entered into the Glory of Heaven.
RS. ]^
ICHARD
ORDEN
of Fall River, Friday, November 14, 1884, in the 87th year of her age.
After three-score and seven years of devoted service in the
Church of Christ on earth, Jesus said unto her, "Well done,p:ood
and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Entering
into the celestial city, she joined with her glad alleluias, " kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation." And now she
continues her life eternal, so long since begun on earth, in the ser-
vice and joy of heaven.
In her life tins side of heaven we have a beautiful gift of God
which stands as a rich legacy to the world; for Mrs. Borden's life
was endowed with a large, rich, and full nature, which was in
early life consecrated to God, and infused with his light, and grace,
and power. She was a woman of great energy of character, firm in
purpose, wise in plan, keen in perception, quick in understanding,
true to the right, resolute in action, faithful in duty, weighing well
that which she was about to do or say before she gave it outward
expression. "With these traits were mingled grace of manner, gen-
tleness of bearing, loveliness of spirit and sweetness of speech,
charity in thought and act, exquisite sensibilities, and an ardent
love of nature.
I have watched the engine bringing the freighted vessel, with
steady stroke, into port, laying in the waters of gold and crimson
circles of action, widening and widening till lost to sight. So this
life, springing from God, threw its circles of power in golden light
far and wide in the world.
Mrs. Borden joined the First Congregational Church in Fall
River in 1817, the year after its formation ; and she and her husband
were among the founders of the Central Congregational Church in
Fall River in 1842. To them is this church largely indebted for its
lirosiieritj', its peace, and its power, by reason of tlieir prayers, their
wise counsels, and their liberal and constant gifts. Well have her
pastors called her, " Mother in Israel," for she nourished and cher-
ished the church much as she did her own family. She loved the
courts of the Lord, and often went to the public worship and to the
prayer-meeting in si)irit after her feebleness detained her in body.
And for the church she continued her active watchcare and co-
operation till the end of her life.
The city of her home blessed her for her warm heart and open
hand, always ready to minister to the poor. The trees and vines
which she planted about the Children's Home will always sing of
her tender care for poor and needy children.
For her country's weal she always felt the deepest interest and
solicitude, and for it gave her services when required. To this
time our spring-time memorial day alwa3's finds the Grand Army
procession, on their return from the graves, playing "Auld Lang-
Syne" before her door, in memory of her honored husband and
herself.
For the education of the Freedman and the Indian she was
zealously interested.
Christ said, "My field is the world;" and with her Christ she
went abroad in her own land and in foreign lands praying for, and
sustaining, home and foreign missions.
Almost from the beginning of our Woman's Board of Missions
she has been one of its Vice-Presidents, and it was her great de-
light, while she was able, to sit in the counsels of this Board. Her
last contribution, given a week before her departure with great em-
phasis, was for this cause. And, in the tender love of Christ, she
and her husband drew the missionaries into their own home min-
istries, where they found rest for their weariness and refreshment
for their souls. Many have gone from thence to lands far away
with their burdens lightened and their faith strengthened by
reason of the tender interest and care found under their roof.
From the bed of her last illness packages of material comfort went
forth to each.
Many of the children of these missionaries, sent back by them
to their native land for education, yet strangers and homeless in a
peculiar sense, have found in her a mother, and have been cheered
and comforted in her home.
Mrs. Walker's home for missionary children, at Auburndale, re-
ceiA^ed her warmest prayers and generous gifts.
Obeying the Bible injunction "given to hospitality" Mr. and
Mrs. Borden have given to many of God's ministering servants, and
to others, days in their home which have refreshed and strengthened
their lives. Thus she still lives in the cherished remembrance of
many homes and hearts.
And this activity in the service of Christ kept this good and
noble woman young in spirit, even to more than four-score years.
She loved life for the holy work of the Lord in fellowship with
him, and her life thus lived was, and is, eternal.
Passing from earth to heaven in perfect confidence and peace,
she said, " I shall see Christ, and be like him; and in this I shall be
satisfied."
ANNUAL MEETING OF W. B. M. I. AT MINNEAPOLIS.
BY MKS. A. L. MILLER.
The happy company that started from Chicago to attend the
sixteenth annual meeting of the Woman's Board of Missions of
the Interior, found they need not wait to set foot in the "City of
Waters" before tasting the pleasures of this yearly feast; for even
the beginning of the journey was crowned with happy greetings,
as we met at the depot the delegates from Michigan and Ohio, —
as fresh in spirits as if their hours of travel had been but minutes,
and with faces that promised a happy story when their time to
report should come. Morning found us more than half way to our
destination, and with new recruits from Milwaukee and LaCrosse.
Breakfast over, it was suggested that morning service might be
observed ; and all being assembled in one of the parlor cars, a for-
tunate stopping-place gave us a chance to hear a short story from
St. Paul about one of his missionary journeys, and to join in
earnest prayer for the meeting before us, and for the "loved ones
left at home." As the train moved on, we joined our voices in " The
Lord is my Shepherd," — riding, meantime, through the beautiful
hill-pastures and along the clear waters of the upper Mississippi, —
and raised above the noise of the wheels the strains of "Coronation."
Arrived at Minneapolis, we were welcomed at the depot by a waiting
company with white satin badges, whose responsible bearing and
cordial greetings gave promise of generous and efficient hospitality,
— a promise which each succeeding day most abundantly fulfilled.
Tuesday evening brought the preparatory meeting — "the new
feature" of last year, which bids fair to make itself a regular part
of our exercises. Plymouth Church was well filled. In the absence
of the pastor. Rev. R. G. Hutchins, who had been called away by
the death of his father. Rev. J. L. Scudder presided. Prayer was
offered by Dr. Sample, of Westminster Presbyterian Church ; and
then Mr. Scudder gave an address, which took us at once into
the very heart of missionary work. Dr. Dana, of St. Paul, followed,
speaking in eloquent sentences of " Woman's place in the redemp-
tion of the world," and Dr. Greene, of Constantinople, gave a
forcible description of the life of women in Turkey, and a feeling
tribute to the zeal and wisdom of our workers there, and to the
work already accomplished. And then the day closed, as for some
of us it had begun, with "All hail the power of Jesus' name."
26
LIFE AND LIGHT.
There was the semblance of a shadow on the full house that
gathered Wednesday morning at the opening of our regular ses-
sion, when Mrs. Leake announced that our beloved President,
Mrs. Smith, was prevented by illness from being with us. But
the assurance came to our hearts, "Lo, I am with you;" and as we
gathered at the Master's feet in our opening prayer, we felt that
as our coming together had been "in His name," he would be
with aud guide our meeting.
Mrs!* Baird, having been elected chairman, read Mark v. 25-35
and Matt. ix. 27-29, and gave us as our motto for the day the
words, "According to your faith be it unto you."
The Committee on Credentials having been appointed, Mrs.
Hu'tchins offered the greetings of the ladies of Plymouth Church,
whom she compared to the porter standing at the gate of the
Palace Beautiful, to offer to the coming, weary pilgrims its rest
and blessing. The days of preparation to leave home, the perplex-
ities of planning for the journey and the meeting, were our Hill
Difficulty ; and having safely overcome its trials we were welcomed
now to all the sweet hospitalities of this house, built by the Lord
of the Hill, and to the refreshment of that chamber looking
toward the sunrising called "Peace."
Mrs. Baird replied in a few words of graceful acknowledgment,
after which were offered greetings from other missionary organiza-
tions. Mrs. Williams, of the Presbyterian Board, referred to their
happy meeting in Minneapolis two years since, when hearts and
homes were opened to them, as now to us, and, "best of all, the
Master's heart was opened, and his presence made us glad." She
reminded us that the joy and fruitfulness of our mountain-top
revelations must depend on the preceding days of humble, prayer-
ful preparation, and that the Mount of Transfiguration must be
followed by Gethsemane and Calvary. Mrs. E. H. Miller, of the
Methodist Board, spoke of the close fellowship of all Christian
workers, being " members together of Him for whom the whole
family in heaven and earth is named." Mrs. Barker offered words
of kindly encouragement for the Baptist Board, which held its
thirteenth annual meeting last April, and finds the work pushing
the workers. Letters were read from the LTnion Missionary Soci-
ety of Xew York, the oldest woman's missionary society in the
United States, "the mother of us all; "from "our older sister,"
the Woman's Board of Missions from Boston; and "our youngest
sister," the Woman's Board of the Pacific from San Francisco; and
from our Secretary, Mrs. Blatchford, dated "Ocean Steamer Adri
atic, nearing Queenstown."
After the reading of the minutes of our last annual meet
ANNUAL MEETING.
27
ing, came the Treasurer's report — "nothing but figures," but
listened to with au interest more intense than any other; for
is not this the measure of our success ? The figures showed a fair
advance over the previous year, $48,220.40 — but not the sum set
for our goal.
The foreign report was then presented by Mrs. G. B. Willcox.
"With graphic description she led us around the world, stopping
at bright spots where the gospel flame is kindled and tended by
our faithful workers in the midst of deepest darkness. It is im-
possible to do justice to this report by any extracts, and we can
only advise our readers to secure it for their own study and future
reference. It, as well as the Treasurer's report, forms a part of
the annual report of our Board, and may be obtained from our
rooms by inclosing fifteen cents. The summary of what has been
accomplished reads as follows : "Our Board has supported the
past year, 42 missionaries, 10 boarding-schools, 47 common, or vil-
lage schools, and 35 Bible-women, besides native teachers, matrons,
stewards, etc."
Mrs. Thomas Gulick stirred our hearts by her eloquent story
of the spiritual bondage of the women of Spain; and compared it
with their possibilities under the light and freedom of the Gospel.
The devotional hour which closed the morning session was led
by Mrs. Magoun, of Iowa, who fed our faith by the thought, " The
omnipotent God is the power behind the weakest effort put forth
in obedience to his word." Miss Kate Scudder, who is very soon
to sail for Japan to join Mrs. Oramel Gulick, at Niigata, was intro-
duced, and all hearts joined in an earnest prayer of consecration,
voiced by Mrs. Angell, of Ann Arbor.
With kindness and hospitality that knew no bounds, and with
skill and wisdom that awoke constantly new surprise, did our en-
terprising and wise-hearted sisters of Minneapolis provide every
possible comfort for their guests. At noon of both days, all dele-
gates were invited to a most bountiful lunch prepared in the
church parlors, and so gracefully offered, that had the fare been
the Pilgrim's traditional crust and water, it must have proven
amply sweet and refreshing from the very grace of its serving.
Afternoon brought us to the Home report, read by Miss Win-
gate. From it we glean : " Some changes in our working force
have occurred during the year. Miss Hope Martyn, whose x^resence
at our rooms has been valued and helpful, was compelled by ill
health to resign her place, which is still vacant. And the Angel
of Death has not passed us by. August 3d, Miss Mary E. Greene,
for fourteen years an honored Secretary of our Board, was called,
after a brief illness, to her reward. The day following, the same
28
LIFE AND LIGHT.
summons came to Miss Helen A. Leavitt, State Secretary of Ne-
braska. What these events mean to us as a Board, words cannot
express, but 'He doeth all things well.'" Our publications for
the year reach 620,000 pages ; besides the Monthly Mission Studies
with its valuable lessons, and our department in Life and Light
with its glimpses of missionary life, and our weekly column in the
Advance, which takes, through all the Interior, the story of our
Friday meetings. The appropriations at the beginning of the year
amounted to $37, 319.18, and before its close swelled to $42,388.28.
Ten married missionaries already on the field are added to our
list; also Miss Eva Swift, of Dallas, Texas, sent to the Madura
Mission, and Miss Welch, teacher in Umzumbi Home; a house for
Misses Dudley and Brown, at Kobe, and half the expense of our
single ladies at Kalgan. We have 87 new senior auxiliaries, 34
junior and 59 juvenile, in all 1,248.
Immediately following this report came words of tender appre-
ciation of Miss Mary E. Greene, whose death, already mentioned,
has been felt so deeply by our Board. From all parts of the In-
terior have come these messages of loving and sorrowing remem-
brance; and from some of these, extracts were read and listened to
with tearful interest, as we realized that we should see her face
no more." *'May we follow her even as she followed Christ."
Among the workers from the field whose presence gladdened
our hearts and stimulated our resolves, were Miss Pinkerton of
South Africa, Miss Ogden, M.D., from India, Miss Barnes from Ma-
rash College, Miss Parsons from Bardesag, Turkey, Miss Spencer
from Hadjin, and Dr. and Mrs. Greene of Constantinople. Miss-
Pinkerton spoke with tender, anxious interest of her twenty-eight
girls, left, during her enforced absence, in care of Miss Welch,
who is herself much in need of rest, having been twelve years at
work, and suffering from serious trouble with her eyes. It is
pleasant to know that Miss Gillis is already under appointment to
this school. Dr. Ogden spoke with enthusiasm of her work in
India, and reiterated the appeal which comes so universally from
all whose eyes have seen the sufferings of women and children in
heathen lands. Dr. Ogden' s very presence must carry with it
those accessories to all medicine, hope and confidence; and we
wait anxiously for that restoration <of her strength which will
enable her to resume her healing ministrations. Miss Barnes told
us of the impetus received by the college at Marash in its new and
convenient building; of the satisfactory progress of many of her
pupils in the more advanced branches of study; and, best of all, in
the knowledge of the *'way of life."
Three papers of marked interest and ability were read during
ANNUAL MEETING.
29
the session: one by Miss A. B. Sewell, of Wisconsin, on "Thus
saith the Lord;" one by Mrs. Tozer, of Wisconsin; and one by
Mrs. Scudder, of Minneapolis, on "Children's Work." We regret
that want of space forbids more than mention of these and other
valuable papers given during the meetingi We hope that means
will be found through our publications of the coming year, or by
hektograph copies, to place them within the reach of all our aux-
iliaries. The ever-interesting theme " Children's Work" was next
presented in an animated discussion. Among the thoughts which
found expression were these: Children should learn to conduct
their own meetings, under leadership. Should give their own money.
Parents are often enlisted through their children. Let the collec-
tion form a part of every meeting. Present not only what has
been accomplished on heathen ground, but also the great need
still existing, that they may realize there is still a place for
workers.
And now it was whispered that the young people were waiting
for the older ones to make a place for them; and two rows of seats
were cheerfully vacated for a goodly company of " Earnest Work-
ers," who marched in to the music of the piano, bearing their
pretty banner, with their name in letters of gold. Their sweet
voices united in the song, " Over the Ocean Wave," and they were
welcomed with bright, loving words by Mrs. Bradley, of Aurora.
Miss Spencer then introduced a little girl dressed in the costumes
of the interior of Turkey, and proceeded to enfold and muffle her
in the cumbersome wrappings worn by all brides of that country;
exhibiting, also, many articles of domestic use, and holding the
attention of her young hearers by her winning presence and
graphic story.
The evening session found Miss Evans, of Northfield, in the
chair. Eloquent addresses were given to a crowded house by Dr.
Greene of Constantinople, and President Northfield, of Minne-
sota State University; and then Mrs. Magoun followed with
earnest words respecting, " The place of the Woman's Board
among Christian Forces." As she enumerated the " reflex bene-
fits" which return upon all who labor in its service, and step by
step led us along the pathway of duty and privilege which
stretches before our feet in this blessed work, it seemed to need
no Divine command, no sadly echoing voice from out the darkness
of heathen lands, where our sisters dwell in their sorrow, to lead
us to rise and enter the happy ranks of workers.
THURSDAY.
The morning session opened with prayer by Mrs. Phillips, of
30
LIFE AND LIGHT.
Illinois, and then came the hour devoted to reports of State
Branches; an hour full of interest to all who would keep informed
of our progress, though to those not acquainted with our organi-
zation it may seem to bring much repetition of thought and
experience. Travelers^ pursuing the same road have largely the
same story to tell, and our societies find great similarity in theirs.
But to those who have an eye for detail, there are distinguishing
features in each.
Minnesota opens her story with rejoicing over the privilege of
being allowed the annual meeting — a privilege from which they
hope to realize new growth and inspiration; and having borne it
in their hearts with loving preparation, and in their prayers, for
months past, we are sure their hopes will be fulfilled. "An over-
flowing treasury" is theirs, having one thousand dollars more
than their allotted portion. Wisconsin tells of the helpful visits
of Capt. Bray and Mr. and Mrs. Logan, and has remembered
that "increase of object means doubling, not halving, the dollar."
Iowa rejoices in the support of two missionaries more than in pre
vious years, and has given a daughter, Miss Nettie Palmer, of Cedar
Eapids, who has this year gone to Micronesia. They tell us of the
five P's by whose aid their work goes on: " Pluck, Plan, Patience,
Perseverance, and Prayer." Illinois, modestly acknowledging a
falling off in its contributions from last year, begs to explain that
it has been in the amount given as legacies ; the gifts of the living
have showed increase. Indiana reports an advance over last year
of fifty dollars. Ohio has had her heart and hands filled with
special labors within her own borders, having sufferers from floods
to care for early in the year, while unusual drouth caused suffer-
ing in later months. Still, it brings honorable record. Michigan,
pledged to the support of four missionaries, has this year added
to the number Miss Searle, of Kobe Home, whose letters have
added fuel to their zeal. Missouri has also taken charge of a new
worker, Miss Eva Swift, of Dallas, Texas, who went last summer
to Madura. They speak of the benefits following the distribution
of missionary literature. "Gifts are large in proportion to the
Christian intelligence of a people, rather than in proportion to
their wealth." Nebraska stands before us in the garb of mourn-
ing, having been bereaved of a beloved Secretary, Mrs. H. A.
Leavitt, of whom loving mention has already been made in the
pages of Life axd Light. Kansas has trebled its auxiliaries this
year, and gives much credit for its growth to the labors of Miss
Hillis, now of India. Colorado still testifies to the power of Miss
Shattuck's residence among them last year: when apparently laid
aside from service, her earnest love for missions found a way to-
A:^rNUAL MEETING.
31
sow plenteous seed. Dakota has had its annual meeting made
glad by the visit of Mrs. Magoun, who brought to them the greet-
ings of the parent Board, and planted truths which will be hope-
fully watched in their growing there. North Dakota Branch has
a large proportion of churches yet in their infancy — promising
infants, some of them. One formed its Missionary Society when
only two weeks old, and a Mission Band is already at work. God
bless this young Branch.
The periodicals and leaflets of the Board formed the subject
of some earnest words, introduced by a paper on the subject of
their distribution, by Mrs. Kellogg, of St. Louis. The value of
these sources of knowledge in awakening interest and building up
auxiliaries, receives abundant testimony from every source; and
here is a suggestion of possible seed-sowing to some who are cut
off from more active efforts. Even the shut-in ones may, by in-
closing to a friend a leaflet like Mrs. Pickett's Missionary Box,
Thanksgiving Ann, or Aunt Mehitable's Story, start a fountain
whose outpouring shall be enriching and permanent. The dis-
cussion of where, when, and how shall we so distribute as wisely
to *' sow beside all waters," brought out such need of careful dis-
crimination, wisdom, good judgment, and persistence as raised
this form of service from an ordinary level to a high plane of
Christian endeavor.
Then followed the report of the Committee on the Treasurer's
report, recommending its adoption, calling attention to the pres-
ent opportunity for rising above discouragement, and urging that
we "try again" for $60,000 the coming year; which report was,
■with entire unanimity, adopted by vote.
The question of appropriations for 1885 was presented in an
able paper by Mrs. Temple, which so clearly presents the relations
of need and supply, that we wish all our constituents would give
it a careful perusal. Hektograph copies may be had upon applica-
tion to our rooms. With the burden of heavy responsibility sug-
gested by this topic still upon us, we came to the precious devo-
tional hour. Mrs. Leavitt, of Chicago, read Isaiah xii., and wove
together promises of strength from Old and New Testament.
From many lips came grateful testimony to the sure foundation
of our hope, while letters from Miss Brown, in Japan, and Mrs.
Porter, blessed mother of missionaries, showed that to the young
laborer in her perplexities and weakness, and to the ripened
Christian in her rich experience, the same blessed strengh is
freely given for the asking.
The ladies to whom had been committed Miss "Wingate's story
of our Home work, gave, through Mrs. Ide, of Milwaukee, a
32
LIFE AND LIGHT.
bright and clisery review of the same, in which some very prac-
tical advice was dexterously interwoven with a most older-sisterly
emphasis, as this: "We should now and forever break up the
careless, needless habit of withholding our gifts till the last days of
the year;" and this message, to be taken by every delegate to her
auxiliary: "It would greatly facilitate the work, and save much
anxiety, if the treasurers would remit to State treasurers monthly,
or, at most, quarterly, that our Board may know how far we can
sustain the progress reported by its missionaries. And a word to
those who wait for the lady of the parsonage to lead in all such
work: "The ministers' wives ought to be willing to take their
turn with the other ladies of the churches whenever their peculiar
cares leave them time and strength to do so."
The Young Ladies' hour was occupied by the reading of a most
delightful paper, "Five Years' Review," written by Mrs. Purington.
The closing, session was very full, and time fails us to describe all its
good things. Mrs. Greene held us breathless with interest as she
told of her experience during many years among the Turks, and in-
troduced Miss Spencer in the dress of a lady of Constantinople — a
red silk robe, abundant jewelry, and a gauze veil, which only par-
tially concealed the face. Miss Emily Bissell stirred our hearts to
tearful overflow as she stood before us in the garb and character
of a Brahman woman, and told the story of her life — its isolation,
its abundant labors, its bondage to superstitious beliefs ; and pic-
tured the mother's agony as she, constrained by dread of greater
evils, consented to offer her darling baby a sacrifice to Gunga.
And now the closing hour had come. The missionaries, and
mothers of missionaries present, gathered on the platform, and
were remembered in special prayer by Mrs. Yan Cleve. Our
thanks for the untiring and loving care which had provided us
with every comfort, and enabled our machinery to move so
smoothly, even to j^roviding willing young feet to go noiselessly
back and forth with messages, were woven in happy sentences
by one who never fails to speak aright; — an hour of social cheer,
and our annual meeting was over.
The Lessons of this year will be devoted largely to the study of
the work of the American Board in the Turkish Empire and
Persia. We shall watch with interest the unfolding of God's
STUDY m MISSIONARY HISTORY.
EECEIPTS.
33
beautiful plan, beginning with the explorations of only two men,
Fisk and Parsons, in 1820, and extending until the Gospel has
leavened more or less the whole empire.
Study first the extent and condition of the Turkish Empire at
that time.
Work of the Board from 1820 until 1830.
Explorations of the first two years.
Death of Mr. Parsons.
Re-enforcements. Beginnings of work at Beirut.
Who were the Druses ? The Maronites ?
Converts. Asaad Shidiak, Pharez Shidiak, Girghis, Asaad Ja-
cob, Wortabel. The biographies of these men will furnish material
for a paper of great interest.
Persecutions.
. Beginnings of work in Smyrna.
Political agitations of 1828. Interruptions from the war.
Re-enforcements of 1830. Explorations of that year. Return to
Beirut.
Thompson's "Land and the Book" will be of great interest in
connection with this lesson; also Yan Lennep's "Bible Lands,''
and the "Women of the Arabs/' by Dr. Jessup, "Bible Work in
Bible Lands," by Rev. I. Bird, and the Ely Volume, are both help-
ful. The latter contains illustrations of the Seminaries in Beirut
and of Smyrna, besides articles on the geogi'aphy of these places.
The Cyclopedias contain helpful articles.
The expansion of the work subsequent to 1830 makes it necessary
to subdivide the study under the head of separate missions. Feb-
ruary will be devoted to the Syrian Mission down to the time
when it was transferred to the Presbyterian Board. The lesson
for March will be a brief glance at the Nestorian Mission in Persia.
RECEIPTS OF THE WOMAN'S BOARD OF MISSIONS
OF THE INTERIOR.
Mrs. J. B. LEAKE, Treasurer.
From October 15 to October 22, 1884.
ILLINOIS.
y. L. Soc, 75, Bethany Ch.,
8.60. Millard Ave. Ch., '15.87;
Elqin, Y. L. Soc, 49.02; Ev-
aiiston, Aux.. 189.70, Y. L.
Soc, 97; Galeshurg, Philer-
gian Soc, 20. 1st Ch., Mission
Band, 20, Knox Sem. Miss.
Soc, 12 10; Genera, Y.L. Soc,
10; Hinsdale, Aux., of wh.
lLLi>'ois Branch. — Mrs. W,
A. Talcott, of Kockford,
Treas. Cable, John J. Hiorgs,
1.39; Canton, 5; Chicago,' 1st
Ch., Y. L. Soc, 94.19, Union
Park Y. L. Soc, 52.67, Mission
Band, 20.02, New Eng. Ch.,
34
LIFE AND LIGHT.
25 to const. L. M. Mrs. J. A.
Porter, 38.18, Y. L. See, to
const. L. M. Miss Jessie M.
Bowles, 25; Illinois, 3.50;
Ivanhoe, 5; Keivanee, 15;
Lawn Riclqe, Mission Band,
36.20; Lyonsville, 35 cts.;
Lombard, 16; Maiden, 10.88 j
Marseilles, 6.50; Mendon, 25;
Keponset, Aux., 5.60, .Mission
Band, 14.74; Xew Windsor,
Mission Baud, 7.40; Oak
Park, Little Sunbeams, 20;
Osuego, 8.50; Ottawa, 85.25;
Pecatonica, 2.40; Princeton,
Whatsoever Band, 30, Acorn
Band, 10; Providence. 14;
Pio, 10; Sandwich, 32.67;
Udina, 5; Wilmette, 20;
Woodstock, per Dea. Hobart,
3.76, $1,126 64
THANK-OFFERINGS.
Canton, 6.25; Hinsdale, 10;
Lyonsville, 4.65; Marseilles,
13.95; S'«n(7?fic/i, 11.88 46 73
Additional, Ashton, M. B. H.,
2; Chicago, First Ch., L., 10,
Leavitt St. Ch., C. B., 25 cts.,
Lincoln Pk. Ch., Y. L. Soc,
40, New Eng. Ch., 11, Ply-
mouth Ch., Aux.. 275.12, Y.
L. Soc, 25, Union Pk. Ch., D.,
1; Griggsville, C. L. B.,
"stamp act," 2.20, 366 57
Total,
INDIANA.
§1,539 94
Indiana Branch.— Miss E. B.
"Warren, of Terre Haute,
Treas. Michigan City , Aux.,
2,13, Juniors, Wall Builders,
3, Juveniles, Cheerful Work-
ers, for New Morning Star,
1.51, S6 64
Total,
§6 64
Iowa Branch. — Mrs. E. R.
Potter, of Grinnell, Treas.
Big Rock, 10; Cedar Falls,
Twelve Ladies, 14, Mission
Band, 15; Davenport, Aux.,
45.50, Mrs. Kate Borland, 10;
LeWitt, Mrs. M. J. Taintor,
5; Dou-ney, Mrs. D. O. Good-
rich, 5; Ogden, 16.05; Tabor,
Mrs. Dr. Clark, 2, §122 55
For New Morning Star:—
Grinwll, Mrs. J. B. Grin-
nell, 1; Ogden, Mrs. C. B.
Sylvester's S. S. CI., 1.25, 2 25
Total,
$124 80
Correction. — In June Life
AND Light, Iowa's total
should be §181.15, instead of
§118.15.
KANSAS.
Kansas Branch.— Mrs. F. P.
Hogbin, of Sabetha, Treas.
Auburn, 11.93; Chase, 1.60;
Diamond Springs, 6.25; Blue
Rapids, for New Morning
Star, 9, §28 78
Total,
MICHIGAN.
§28 78
Michigan BRANCH.-Mrs. Geo.
H.Lathrop,of Jackson,Treas.
Cohimbus, 5; Covert, 10; De-
troit, 1st Ch., Aux., 105, Wood-
ward Ave. Ch., Aux., 97, of
wh. from Mrs. D. M. Ferry,
for L. M.'s of Blanch and
Queenie Ferry, 50; Eaton
Rapids , King's Young
Daughters, 12.50; Grass Lake,
14.50, S. S.,3.77; Kalamazoo,
87.25; Laiising, Plymouth
Ch., Aitx., 57.29; Owasso,
44.07; Port Huron, Aux., 5,
Earnest Workers, 5; St.
Johns, 23.69; St. Joseph, Aux.,
17, S. S., 6.52; Union City,
7.75; Wacojusta, 10, §511 34
For New Morning Star: —
Last Saginaw, Wide-Awake
Soc, §10 00
Total,
MISSOURI BRANCH.
§521 34
Mrs. J. H. Drew, 3101 Wash-
ington Ave., St. Louis.Treas.
Lebanon, 15; St. Louis, Pil-
grim Ch., 8, $23 00
Total,
NEBRASKA.
$23 00
Nebraska Branch.— Mrs.Geo.
W. Hall, of Omaha, Treas.
McCook, Mrs. Dungan, 2;
Omaha, St. Marv's Ave. Ch.
Aux., 17.25, First Ch., Mrs.
S. H. H. Clark, const. L. M.
Mrs. A. F. Sherrill. 25, Aux.,
46, Memorial Fund, 2, Juve-
nile, 5; Stanton, Acorn Band,
for New Morning Star, 5.58, §102 83
Total,
§102 83
Omission.— The following statement
should have appeared in Life and
RECEIPTS.
35
Light for May, 1884. The amount
was included in the total for the
month.
Nebraska Branch: —
Camp .Creek, Mrs. G. T.
Lee, 2 60
Clay Centre, Chh., 5 00
Columbus, 3 00
Lincoln, Aux., 11.75, Chil-
dren's Soc, for Star,
2.50, 14 25
Omaha, St. Mary's Ave.
Soc, 10 35
Springfield , A few
friends, 3 85
Total,
39 05
OHIO.
Ohio Branch.— Mrs. Geo. H.
Ely, of Elyria, Treas. Brown-
helm, 6; Cambridgehoro,¥a..,
5; Cincinnati, Walnut Hill
Ch., Mrs. Woodbury, to const.
L. M. Mrs. H. X. Hollister, of
Riverside, 111., 25; Clevelayid,
First Ch., 45, Miss. Band,
8.14, Dew-Drop Miss. Band,
5; Cleveland Heights, 17;
Cuyahoga Falls, 3.75 ; Jeffer-
son, 21; Locke, 3; Lorain, 14;
Lyme, 19.05; ilarysville, 2;
Kelson, 4; Xo. Monroeville,
11.55 ; Paddy's Jiu7i,W. H., 11 ;
Painesville, Aux., 25, Y. L.
Soc, 10; PiUsfleld, 21 ; Ridge-
ville, Henry Co., 5; Ruggles,
10, M. C, 10; Roolstonn, 15;
Steubenville, Y. L. Soc, 18.30,
Willing: Workers, 9.72; W.
iVilliamsfield, 10. 50,A friend,
1, Branch total, $336 01
Ikgatherixg, Brooklyn, 17.03;
Cincinnati, Columbia, 17.50;
Painesville, Saybrook,
2 ; Springfield, 15, 53 03
Total.
$389 04
rocky mount aix branch.
Mrs. Hiram Jones, of So.
Pueblo, Col., Treas. Cheyenne,
Aux., 100, S. S., 25, S. S., for
New Morning Star, 1; Colo-
rado Springs, Pike's Peak
Miss. Band, 50; West Denver,
20, §196 00
Total, §196 00
DAKOTA.
South Dakot.a.Br axch.— Mrs.
K. B. Finley, of Vermillion,
Treas. Vermillion, const L.
M. Mrs. G. S. Bascom, 25, $25 00
Total,
$25 00
WISCONSIN.
"Wisconsin Branch.— Mrs. R.
Coburn ,of White water , Treas.
Antigo, 4; Baraboo, Aux.,
20. Mrs. A. G. Clark, 5;
Blake's Prairie, iJl ; British
Hollow, birthday g:ift, .Mrs.
E. L, Davies, 5; Beloit, 1st
Ch., Y. L. Soc, 37.30; Bloom-
ington, \\ Z)e?ovan, Ingath-
ering, 31; Fox Lake, 14;
Green Bay, 25; Kilbourn, 5;
Kenosha, 43.80; Lake Mills,
Mrs. A. Y. Mills, 1 ; Madison,
Aux., 2, Mission Band, 13.07;
Mt. Stirling, Gay's Mill S. S.,
4.16; Xeiv Lisbon, thank-of-
fering. 5.50; Oconomowoc,
Y. L. Soc, 25; Prairie du
Chien, 53: Platteville, Y. L.
Soc, 15.45; Pittsville, 10; Ri-
pon,2S; Racine, Pansy Soc,
5; Stoughton, 1; Shojnere, 3;
Sharon, 14; Waukesha, 28,
Wisconsin Congl Conven-
tion, 29.27; Evansville, 10;
Milwaukee, Grand Ave. Ch.,
Aux., 25, Mrs. Lucy A.Dawes,
thank-offering, 1; Whitewa-
ter, 1; Ripon, Do Good Soc,
2; La Crosse. 12.80; New
Lisbon,foT New Morning Star,
25 cts. Less expenses, 7.48, $425 42
Total,
MISCELLANEOUS.
$425 42
Sale of leaflets, 29.58; envel-
opes, 5.77; charts, 1.20; cash,
6; income from Life and
Light, 491.75, $534 30
Total from Oct. 15 to 20, 1884, $3,917 09
Previously acknowledged, 44,303 31
Total year end. Oct. 22, 1884. $48,220 04
From October 22 to November 18, 1884,
Illinois Branch.— Mrs. W. A.
Talcott, of Rockford, Treas.
Aurora, 1st Ch., 7.20: Chi-
cago, Bethany Ch., B. M.,
1.32; Crete, 8.50; Galva, 10;
Greenville, 1; Lyonsville,
Seed Sowers, 8.28; Marseilles,
Helping Hands, 10; Roseville,
of wh. 85 cts. thank-off., 8.85;
Winnebago, Y. P. Soc, 2.26, $57 41
Total, $57 41
IOWA.
Iowa Branch.— Mrs. E. R.
Potter, of Grinnell, Treas.
Algona. 3; Cedar Rapids, Y.
L. Soc, 8, Mrs. Louisa B.
36
LIFE AND LIGHT.
Stephens, 88; Des Moines,
S. S., 7.15; Grinnell, 30.80;
Grand View, 1; Ottumiva,
First Church, 5, Second Ch.,
1.25; Stacyville, Children,
16; Tabor, Estate of :Miss
Abigail Cummings, 70; Win-
throp, 10, §240 20
For Morning Star: —
Miles, 2 25
Total, §242 45
MICHIGAX.
Michigan Branch.— Mrs. Geo.
H.Lathrop, of Jackson,Treas.
Armada, 2S; Cooper, \Z; De-
troit, 1st Ch., Y. Ladies, 79;
Dowagiac, 6.45; East Sagi-
naiv, 58; Grandville, Earn-
est Workers, sale of Silk
Quilt, 41 ; Grand Rapids,
Park Ch., Aux., 50, 2d Ch.,
Aux., 8; Lexington, 7.10;
Manistee, Young Ladies,
12.50; Port Huron, 8; Pot-
terville, 3Irs. Saunders, 2;
Webster, 12, Coll. taken at
meeting of ladies of Olivet
Conference, 14.25, §339 30
Ingathering, Richmond, 1 00
Branch total,
MINNESOTA.
§340 30
Minnesota Branch.— Mrs. E.
M. Williams, of Northfield,
Treas. Clearwater ; Glyndon,
2.47 ; Lake City, 9 ^Mazeppa, 5 ;
Medford, Aux. and Willing
"Workers, 7; Minneapolis,
Mayflower Ch., 5.39, A Friend,
by Nirs. Hutchins, 10; North-
field, 17.29; Owatonna, Aux.,
44.75, Merry Hearts, 25; Plain-
view, 8, ' §139 90
For New Morning Star : —
Fairmont, 7.50 ; Sher-
burne, 7; Westford, 1.50;
Winona, add'l, 13.75, 29 75
Branch Total, §169 65
Minneapolis, Chas. A. Pills-
bury, at Annual Meeting, for
, African Quilt,
Total,
100 00
$269 65
MISSOURI.
Missouri Branch.— Mrs. J. H.
Drew, 3101 Washington Ave.,
St. Louis, Treas. St. Louis,
Pilgrim Ch., Aux., 10, thank-
offering, 1, Fifth Ch., 10;
St. Joseph, Juvenile Soc. of
Tabernacle Ch., 20, §41 00
Total,
$41 00
north DAKOTA BRANCH.
Mrs. R. C. Cooper, of Coopers-
town. Treas. Cooperstown,
15; Wahpeton, 10, §25 00
Total,
§25 00
OHIO.
Ohio Branch. — Mrs. Geo. H.
Ely, of Elyria, Treas. Alex-
andria, 2; Claridon, 12;
Cleveland, First Ch., Y. P.
M. Soc, 7.12, Jennings Ave.
Ch., Y. L. Soc, 7.70; Colum-
bus, Eastwood Ch., 5; Steu-
ben, 8; Tallmadge, Cheerful
Workers, 27; Toledo, First
Ch., 110; Twinsburg, 18;
Wellington, M. W. L.. thank-
offering, 1, ' §197 82
Total, §197 82
TENNESSEE.
Memphis, 20i C\\., Ami.., §7 15
Total, §7 15
WISCONSIN BRANCH.
Branch.— Mrs. R. Coburn, of
Whitewater, Treas. Bran-
don, 2.65; Menasha, Cheerful
Workers, 36; Racine, 1st Ch.,
Aux., 37.75, K. Y. Daughters,
4.25, Welch Ch., Y. L. Soc,
5.75; A Friend, thank-
offering, 4. Less expenses,
1.73, $88 67
Total, §88 67
NEW HAMPSHIRE."
Northwood Centre, Aux.,
Total,
CONNECTICUT.
Stamford, Aux.,
Total,
MISCELLANEOUS.
Sale of leaflets, 18; of leaf-
lets, etc., at Annual Meeting,
12.27; of «' Life of Coan," do-
nated by Mrs. C, 4; Collec-
tion at 16th Annual Meeting,
152.06, §186 33
Total, $186 33
Receipts from Oct. 22 to Nov.
18, 1884,
Total, §1,472 78
President.
MISS LUCY M. PAY, 13X2 Taylor St., San Francisco.
Vice-Presidents.
MBS. T, K. NOBLE.
MRS. J. M. PARKER.
MRS. J. K. McLEAN.
MRS. W. C. POND.
MRS. C. A. SAVAGE.
Home Secretaries.
MRS. J. H. WARREN.
1526 Eddy St., San Francisco.
MRS. 1. E. DWINELL.
Redwood, Cal.
Foreign Secretary.
MRS. H. K. JEWETT.
Treasurer.
MBS COLE, 672 Twelfth St., Oakland, Cal.
Becordins Secretary.
MRS. S. S. SMITH.
Auditor.
E. P. FLINT, Ebq.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE RECORDING
The monthly meetings of the Board have brought the same
hours of pleasant fellowship as in the past, with increased oppor-
tunities of work for the Master. Our average attendance is
about fifty — a slight increase over that of former years. As we
take a bird's-eye view of this work, we see the laborers at home
and abroad brought nearer to each other each successive year.
When Paul "went through all Asia preaching the Word," and
then into Greece, afterward to Rome, by that long, perilous jour-
ney, how far distant and inaccessible were those mission stations !
Five days from Phillippi to Troas !
Now, one of our own number, in the short space of six
months, has, from these ''ends of the earth," sped across the
ocean and looked with her own eyes upon some of the "seven
churches of Asia," and has taken by the hand some of the dear
missionaries laboring there, thus linking in a vital way the work
at home and abroad. . . .
Firstly and always Life and Light. Its monthly visits send
a quickening thrill through our hearts. You who can appreciate
literary merit in the interesting, intelligent, bright and cheery
letters of our sisters in the strange lands, read our Life and
Light.
Young ladies, are you discussing the matter of How and what
shall we do ? Take, for instance, the March number, and read
what the young ladies at the East are doing for a hospital at
Tung-cho, in North China, with which a young lady physician,
SECRETARY.
OUR SOURCES OF INFORMATION.
38
LIFE AND LIGHT.
Miss Holbrook, is connected, and of which Miss Evans of that
mission recently told us.
Mothers, whose yearning hearts, like the mother of Samuel J.
Mills and of the sainted Augustine, would consecrate their little
ones to this divine work, do you want a simple story to convey to
them some precious truth? Here you will find it. Do any wish
to know of our share in this work ? We have here four pages in
which to tell it. Mrs. Savage, of Berkeley, is the efficient editress
of this our department.
An elderly gentleman in one of our churches, a convert from
Judaism, reads and feasts on every word of this little magazine;
and as a result of his reading an occasional gold-piece, some-
times a $10, again a $5, finds its way into our treasury. We hope
to report this year a large increase in the number of copies taken.
Those of us who are Sunday-school teachers of young ladies,
can we not place it in their hands ? Its price is but sixty cents.
And do any prefer a more systematic and less superficial method
of gaining the needful information ? Here it is in the Mission
Studies, so admirably prepared for this purpose by the Board of
the Interior? This is a four-leafed paper, monthly, at twenty
cents a year. The Mission Bay-Spring, an illustrated little peri-
odical, published by the Board at Boston for Sunday-schools
mainly, is beautiful for this purpose. This also is twenty cents
a year. And, lastly, to complete our education in this line, to
put the finishing touches, as it were, in these studies, we have
our own column in The Pacific, edited by Mrs. Jewett. This is
the artery that carries the warm pulsations of our hearts to the
very extremities, and brings us closer to our sisters throughout
this coast.
We would not forget that all these means of quickening are as
nothing in comparison with the influence of the Holy Spirit on
individual hearts. Great missionary zeal has followed the great
revivals which have marked the religious history of our country,
and it is to this we must look and pray before our ideal is reached.
A new feature has been added to our meetings the past year; viz.,
that of having "notes from the wide field" gathered up and pre-
sented at each meeting. This embraces items of interest con-
nected with the work of other missions besides our own. Mrs.
Richardson, of Oakland, was appointed for this work, and she has
well fulfilled her task, and given us a comprehensive view of what
is being done in the wide field of missionary effort.
OUR MISSIOJ^ARIES.
This brings us to the very heart of our work ; but as you will
ANNUAL REPORT. 39
hear from our foreign secretary something of each in detail, it
will be sufficient for this report simply to give their names, one of
which has long been familiar to you, with the appropriations as
accepted by us in the fall of 1883.
Zulu Mission, South Africa: —
Salary of Mrs. Carrie Goodenough . . . $450 00
Broosa, Western Turkey Mission : —
Female Seminary, ten scholarships . $374 00
Teacher 264 00
Service, fuel, etc. . . . • . 193 CO
Salary of Mrs. Baldwin ... 396 00— 1,227 60
Japan, Kioto : —
Salary of Miss Starkweather . . . . 650 00
San Sebastian, Spain : —
School under the care of Mrs. Alice Gulick . . 500 00
For the running expenses of the Morning Star . . 500 00
Total ....... §3,327 60
It may be a matter of interest to some to know how our con-
tributions compare with those at the East. First, collectively,
the Board at Boston, including all the New England States, with
New York, New Jersey, and some others gathered in last year,
including legacies, $128,468. The Board of the Interior, includ-
ing the great interior States, formerly called the "Western
States," $45,564. Our Board of the Pacific, not including some
gifts sent directly to the Board at Boston, $3,397. This, a col-
lective comparison, is not especially encouraging. Taking it in-
dividually, the average contributions for each female member of
our churches stand thus : For those connected with the Board at
Boston, seventy-six cents each ; for those connected with the Board
of the Interior, sixty cents each; and for our own Board, ninety-
six cents each. How easy it seems in thought to bring up our
contributions to at least one dollar for every female member of
our churches!
It may, and will, probably, be said that this represents but a
small part of our giving. We have the Home Missionary work,
besides what comes in the line of our church and local work for
the sick and poor. The Home Missionary Society aims at $2 per
member for its distinctive work. Can we not ask for one dollar
for every female member of our churches ? To do this, there must
be some systematic effort in the beginning of the year. Statis-
tics will probably give 4,000 as the number in our churches, of
female members. Can we report $4,000 for this work?
AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
The condition of these will be given in the report of the Home
40
LIFE AND LIGHT.
Secretary. We rejoice to be able to add the names of some strong
and helpful societies. We have felt this to be an uneventful year,
but there has been a bright spot, which we must record and re-
joice over together; viz., the delightful communication from Ore-
gon, which you have probably read in the column, asking to be
identified with us in this work and through our treasury. This
is what we have long desired and labored for. Our sisters at
the East look upon us — Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and
California — as one. And why should we not be ? We are geograph-
ically more closely allied, as well in history and in material inter-
ests, than with any others east of the Rockies; and so, sisters in
Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, we clasp your hands in cordial
welcome in this fellowship of labor.
One outlook more ere this bird's-eye view is closed. As we
take notice of our appropriations to the work of missions, we can
but observe the change that years have wrought in the methods
employed. Instead of the direct preaching only of the Word, the
almost undivided efforts of the missionaries are given to schools
for the young.
It is a hard task to preach the pure gospel to the untutored
mind of an adult, and so Christian women of truly consecrated
hearts are sent to take the children and youth, and teach them the
sweet "old story," and with it many of the simple industries of
our Christian civilization, which do so much in our homes to make
them what they are. Thus a new generation will arise thoroughly
imbued with Christian principles of heart and life, that will reno-
vate these nations, and hasten the dawning of that glad day for
which all eyes are looking.
Another new feature of the missionary work in these our days
which goes to our very hearts, is the medical work being done
by Christian, educated women for the suffering of our own sex.
And we who know the needs and possibility of good in this
direction, can rejoice that it has no longer escaped the notice of
the Christian world. And what an avenue for good is here ! The
tender ministrations, the healing, soothing, common-sense reme-
dies, the kindly counsels as to the care of our bodies, these tem-
ples of the Holy Ghost, then the quickened hearts led upward to
the Great Physician of the soul — what a work is this! Is it not
more closely allied to the Master's blessed ministrations while
here on earth than any other ?
And as in this our annual meeting we are gathered here to
concentrate our thoughts on those whose lives are in such sad
contrast with ours, we must recall anew our Saviour's words,
''Freely ye have received, freely give!"